You might have heard us mention our collaboration with other public broadcasters on the StateImpact Oklahoma project reporting on state budget issues. The eight-state pilot project is now fully operational with last week's launch of StateImpact Texas. Our neighbors to the south will be focusing on "power, policy and the planet", issues that interest Oklahomans as well. Check out the entire StateImpact project.

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President Obama's recent decision to pull U.S. troops out of Iraq means many more servicemen and women will be returning from war and trying to find employment in a tough economy.

Tomorrow on Morning Edition, in a segment especially for Veterans Day, Steve Inskeep talks with U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki. Also, a WWII vet remembers Pearl Harbor, and later, on All Things Considered, one family recounts the emotional toll exacted by multiple deployments on those serving and those left at home.

KGOU Fall Membership Drive Update: Success !

We're happy to report that KGOU members have pledged just over $174,000 for our fall membership drive, surpassing the goal! We accept contributions year-round, so if you haven't yet made your pledge of support, our online pledge forms are always available. If you want to use a credit or debit card to pay your pledge, you can use our secure processing site to do so.

If you have questions about your pledge or the thank-you gift you requested, call Membership Director Laura Knoll at (405) 325-0022, or toll-free at (866) 533-2470, or send her an e-mail. Thank you for supporting KGOU!

NPR Host Steps Aside for Election

All Things Considered's Michele Norris is stepping away from her co-hosting duties until after the 2012 presidential election, after her husband, Broderick Johnson, accepted a senior position with President Obama's re-election effort. Michele is recusing herself from all election coverage, a decision she also made for the duration of the 2004 presidential campaign. While she will not be involved in coverage of the 2012 election, Michele will continue to report and produce projects for the program.

To fill the vacant host's chair, NPR has named Audie Cornish, currently host of Weekend Edition Sunday, to temporarily fill the post starting in January. Until the first of the year, NPR's deep bench of talented journalists will take turns at the ATC co-hosting duties.

NPR News Series: Hard Times Across America

With 14 million people unemployed and wages stagnant, Americans are worried. There's concern about a 'double -dip' recession, but for many, it feels like the last recession never ended.

NPR has been reporting on tough economic times for years, but in November National Desk correspondents Debbie Elliott and Richard Gonzales are traveling the country talking with Americans about their concerns and hopes for the economy. This occasional series airs on Morning Edition and All Things Considered -- hear the first reports that aired Nov. 1 at NPR.org.

Three-Minute Fiction: Round 7 Winner Selected

The winner of Round 7 of All Things Considered's Three-Minute Fiction contest will be announced this weekend. Author Danielle Evans judged this round, which prompted entrants to write about one character coming to town and another leaving town. Tune in for Weekend ATC, Saturday and Sunday at 5 p.m., for the announcement of the winner, and read some of the other notable entries at NPR.org.

Kitchen Window: Crostata As Easy As Pie

Kitchen Window's Domenica Marchetti looks at the all-American pie's Italian cousin, the crostata. Featuring a crumbly, cookielike crust that balances a judicious amount of filling, the crostata has a straightforward, rustic appeal that can make a lovely dessert or breakfast. Recipes are on the Kitchen Window page at NPR.org.

Ticket Giveaway ~ Three Mo' Tenors at Rose State

We have two pairs of tickets for Three Mo' Tenors, an evening of entertainment showcasing the talents of three African-American tenors. From classical opera to jazz, blues, soul, Broadway show tunes, Rock, World music, Gospel and Spirituals, these tenors are versatile performers! Tickets are for the Dec. 6 performance at Rose State Performing Arts Theatre in Midwest City. Enter KGOU's drawing, which will be held next week.